Skull vanishes from carcass washed up on Croyde beach
The skull of a dead seal — which was at first suspected of being the legendary Beast of Exmoor — has disappeared.
The carcass caused excitement when it washed up on Croyde beach, with speculation that it might be a big cat.
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Vanished: the skull of the mystery beast. Picture: Jon Bowen
But Sgt Jeff Pearce, of Braunton police, said the beast had now been identified as a seal.
At some point today the skull was removed.
Sgt Pearce said: "We don't know who has taken it — but it's not there anymore."
Sgt Pearce also revealed the Natural History Museum had officially confirmed the dead animal was not the fabled Beast of Exmoor.
Richard Sabin, curator of mammals at the museum, officially confirmed it was a seal, — and probably a grey seal.
Opinion had been divided over the identity of a carcass of the animal, which was discovered at Croyde beach on Tuesday.
Initial police reports hinted the discovery could be the Exmoor Beast.
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by Duvet Jones, Ilfracombe
Friday, January 09 2009, 2:47PM
“Jon - yours is the most entertaining website that I have seen in months. Keep up the good work and boo hiss to any detractors! The truth is out there!”
by Jon Downes, Centre for Fortean Zoology
Friday, January 09 2009, 12:37PM
“There is no mystery. The CFZ have taken the skull, after having informed an agent of the landower of our intention so to do.
I have just had an extremely jolly conversation with Braunton Police Station, as I informed them as well.
It is certainly a pinniped, probably a gray seal, (Halichoerus grypus) but possibly something more interesting.
We shall be releasing a press statement and some pictures later...”
by Matt, Bideford
Friday, January 09 2009, 11:50AM
“Thank you for the Plug for the CFZ www.cfz.org.uk yes, theyu have been to the site and with permission of the land owner are investigating, and Seal is most likely, apart for the skull not looking anything like a Cat the legs were the wrong shape!”
by chrispy, south molton
Friday, January 09 2009, 9:06AM
“hasn't anyone rung the Center for Fortean Zoology yet?
those wierdy beardies should be all over this!!
Perhaps they've nicked the skull for their "Mermen of Lundy" project!!!!”
by Rico, The Bay
Thursday, January 08 2009, 5:23PM
“Nah, it's just whats left of the remains of the geeza who ran off without paying his tab at the local surf cafe.”